Two Catholic high schools in Massachusetts have announced that they will be closing at the end of the school year.
Boston.com reports that the schools are Mount Alvernia High School, an all-girls school in Newton, and Bishop Connolly High School, a co-ed school in Fall River.
Mount Alvernia will merge with Fontbonne Academy in Milton, according to the school’s website. Fontbonne is also a Catholic, all-girls school.
The Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Mount Alvernia founders, have decided that they are no longer able to continue living on the property and will sell it.
The school will continue to operate as normal through June 13. Any student in good standing will be admitted to Fontbonne, and officials are coordinating student transportation to make the transition possible for every student.
In opting to close Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River the Diocese of Fall River cited declining enrollment and the “substantial impact” that the pandemic has had on the school.
Attempts by the diocese to expand enrollment and strengthen financial aid opportunities in recent years have fallen short.
“Despite these efforts, Bishop Connolly has experienced a significant decline in enrollment and, as a result, the Diocese has spent over $1 million to sustain the school over the past five years," the diocese said. "The Diocese no longer has the resources to continue to keep Bishop Connolly operational."
